GAME NOTES: It was quite the offseason for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Shortly after leading the club to just its third Grey Cup title and first since '89, head coach Kent Austin stepped down to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi, his alma mater. Then, after being unable to sign quarterback Kerry Joseph to a contract extension, the Riders traded the 2007 CFL outstanding player to Toronto for offensive lineman Glenn January and defensive end Ron Flemons, with the teams also exchanging draft picks. The Riders also released Corey Holmes, their popular kick-returner, running back and receiver, for salary cap reasons, and traded end Fred Perry - its leading tackler and sacks leader - to Edmonton. Offensive assistant Ken Miller was promoted to head coach and assumes the unenviable position of replacing Austin. Miller also made backup Marcus Crandell the club's starting quarterback. Running back Wes Cates, who played in the Grey Cup with a fractured bone in his foot, is healthy and gives the Riders a solid rushing threat. And when Crandell goes back to pass, he will have D.J. Flick (70 catches, 1,020 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Andy Fantuz (56 catches, 978 yards, seven touchdowns) to look for downfield. Defensively, the loss of Perry and linebacker Reggie Hunt as a free agent will hurt. But the Riders will have cornerback Omarr Morgan back. Morgan left to sign with Edmonton as a free agent last year but was released by the Eskimos. It was a busy offseason for Edmonton as well. The Eskimos added Rick Worman as their offensive coordinator, welcomed the return of quarterback Jason Maas as a free agent and obtained both cornerback Jordan Younger and kicker-punter Noel Prefontaine from Toronto and receiver Brock Ralph from Hamilton. But most importantly is the healthy return of quarterback Ricky Ray. Ray suffered a season-ending shoulder injury late last year that pretty much cost the Eskimos any shot of making the CFL postseason. But he's back now, which is good news for an Edmonton offense that struggled without him. The numbers: Saskatchewan was 6-3 at home last year and 6-4 within the West Division. Edmonton was just 2-7 on the road and 1-9 versus division competition. Keys to the game: Home-field advantage will be a huge consideration in this game. The Riders will have a full house and it will definitely be loud at Mosaic Stadium so it will be important for the Eskimos to get ahead early and try to quiet the crowd. While the Riders have had to make their share of changes this offseason, their defense should again be strong in '07, which is bad news for their rivals. Tackle Scott Schultz anchors a solid front line while in the secondary Grey Cup hero James Johnson is back. Johnson had three interceptions - one he returned for a TD - and was named the Grey Cup MVP. Saskatchewan's pass defense is sure to be tested by Ray, who is one of the CFL's top passers. This will mean the front line will have to get pressure on the Eskimos quarterback while Johnson and Co. will have to provide stout coverage.